Kontron VM62 - Manual (Page 7)

VM62(A) / VM42(A) User’s Manual Chapter 1 Introduction
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1. I NTRODUCTION
1.1 Product Overview
The computer user today requires high performance to meet high expectations. At the same time, the mass of data that
has to be processed is dramatically increasing, for instance the data that a modern graphic user interface generates.
Additionally, there is a further demand on the communications ability and multi-functionality of the computer.
The VM62(A)/VM42(A) meets all the above requirements, combining high computational performance with excellent
communication ability via the AutoBahn™ Spanceiver™ chip.
A combination of the high performance CPU (Motorola MC68060 or 68040) and the Quad Integrated Communications
Controller chip, the Motorola MC68EN360 or QUICC, not only enables a pure computation performance from
approximately 35 MIPS to over 100 MIPS, but dispenses with the usual restrictions associated with communications
over serial interfaces. Communication tasks are dealt with by the QUICC chip, freeing the CPU from such time-
consuming chores. Fieldbus protocol, such as PROFIBUS, are also handled by the QUICC. In addition, the QUICC,
used together with PEP’s expanding CXC interface is ideally suited for communication tasks extending from 6 serial
interfaces over LAN to WAN (X.25, ISDN) applications. The ‘EN’ version of the QUICC also supports Ethernet on 2
channels (only one usable on the VM42(A)/VM62(A) using PEP standard software).
The various I/O interfaces are realised using piggybacks attached to the main board. Five options are at the moment
available. They are:
• Ethernet 10Base 2;
• Ethernet 10Base 5 (AUI);
• Ethernet 10BaseT;
• 2 * RS232 serial interfaces;
• PROFIBUS interface (RS485, isolated, half duplex, 2 wires).
PEP’s AutoBahn technology has solved one of the major problems that exist in information technology - data transfer
over the various bus systems. Normally the data transfer rate over a bus system is below the data transfer capability of a
modern CPU chip. The AutoBahn chip (the Spanceiver MC100SX1451) allows transfer rates of up to 100 Mbyte/sec
over the VMEbus using the VMEbus lines SERA and SERB.
PEP has also developed a cost-effective VMEbus backplane series that support AutoBahn, called VBP4A, in 7, 12 and 15
slot options. These backplanes allow direct connection of the main power supply, hence reducing cabling costs
dramatically.
A CXM-SIO3 module is available in order to make all three serial interfaces that are available on the CXC accessible on
the VM62(A)/VM42(A). This is achieved by using RS232, SC-xxx or SI-xxx interfaces. For more details, please refer to
the CXM-SIO3 user’s manual.
AutoBahn ™ and Spanceiver ™ are trademarks of PEP Modular Computers.
May 17, 1996 © 1995 PEP Modular Computers Page 1-1